Calling for change

Showing her pledge — "stop using my car as much" — Waitaki Girls’ High School pupil Oriana Plunkett (17) adds her voice to a pledge board at the Oamaru climate strike yesterday afternoon.

About 100 pupils from St Kevin’s College, Waitaki Boys’ High School and Waitaki Girls’ High School gathered at Waitaki Girls’ yesterday to question Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean and Waitaki deputy mayor Melanie Tavendale, before making their own pledges to combat rising emissions and climate change.

Waitaki Girls’ High School Enviro Club co-captain Breanna Greaney (17) said yesterday’s rally was intended to start a conversation among Oamaru high school pupils as well as to offer youth a chance to engage with elected officials on environmental issues.

Breanna, who turns 18 in January, says she plans to vote in coming elections.

Below: Children from St Gerard’s, Clyde and The Terrace schools, along with pupils from Dunstan High School, joined in the Strike for Climate Change in Alexandra.

They walked, with adults, to the Central Otago District Council to make their voices heard.

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